And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption

This is a verse that I don’t hear often, but how many of us consider the Holy Spirit within us before we speak, act ? or think? watch a movie? read a book? gossip? or before we treat someone badly?

As the world starts to run down the wide and easy road to destruction, I want to warn you of the dangers of grieving the Holy Spirit and falling off God’s path for your life. When God showed me I had grieved His Holy Spirit, I felt like I had hurt my best friends feelings. I suddenly understood how important the Holy Spirit was to me. I had always relied on God’s Holy Spirit, I knew He was always with me but I decided to ignore the right thing to do and go my own way. When I realized how this made the Lord feel, I was saddened. God had giving me His guiding , comforting and wisdom filled spirit who was always with me and helping me and I took this great gift, by ignoring the Holy Spirit, I counted Him as nothing. That’s what is going on the world today. Many of us believe, but we count His Son Jesus as nothing. Many consider what he did for us as.. nothing because so many go their own way and don’t live the life we are commanded to live in Christ. The Lord told me that many count His life as nothing, especially those who live for their own lustful desires. You may call yourself a believer but if you go your own way, for example seeking Mediums, calling on the dead or mixing witchcraft into your life, you count his life as nothing.

Let’s go over what we know from Scripture about the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit gives us power to be witnesses to Jesus Acts 1:8

Fills our heart and gives us gifts Acts 2:2-4, Luke 11:13

It is only through Jesus that we receive the Holy Spirit John 20:21-23, 1 Thes 4:8

The Holy Spirit teaches us and helps us when we need to speak Luke 12:12, John 14:26, 1 Cor 2:13

He brings God’s word to our remembrance John 14:26

The Holy Spirit bears witness with the Father and the Son, the three are one. 1 John 5:7

Hebrews 6:4-6 Forit isimpossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,if they fall awayto renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and putHimto an open shame.

Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God dwells within believers – and we are not our own 1 Cor 6:19

Lying to the Holy Spirit is a dangerous thing to do. Acts 5

When I think of the Holy Spirit, I’m always reminded of Isaiah 11:2:And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord And that verse always reminds me of the 7 lamps. Each fire representing each of the 7 Spirits listed above. When I look at this with verses, I believe there is an order of growth in the Spirit. We know the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge, so knowledge comes next. It’s in the same order as the verse from Isaiah above. First Fear of God, then knowledge, then might, counsel, understanding, wisdom and the Spirit of the Lord. Maybe I’m right, maybe not, but I have more verses that might prove it.

While I’m writing about the Holy Spirit, there is something I want to share. I’ve debated sharing it for year because no one else has written anything on it and I don’t know anyone else who has experienced this, but I experienced the great wind of the Holy Spirit. I was going to put it as a full post, but I think this is the perfect place . It was early morning and I was waking up out of a dream. An older lady walked up to me and I was excited to speak to her even though I had no idea why she was walking up to me. She got close and very seriously she said “Many people are confused in bible studies today, you must show them your…… at that point I was awake and as her words …”you need to show them your… I heard the word ‘instep’ and at the exact same time, a great and mighty – and powerful rushing of wind went through me. It was loud – just as if it were a great tornado going by. Honestly, words can’t describe it. Maybe that’s why I’ve debated writing about it. No words can describe it and it was a moment I’ll never forget. I was terrified, holding on to everything around me, not realizing that the wind wasn’t touching my physical body. To explain the force… if it was an actual wind, I would have been blown through the walls of my house. It felt as if I was under a great waterfall, like the strongest part of Niagara falls – a great rushing wind went through me. I remember squinting my eyes and holding on as I felt the force starting at my head and down to my feet. In an instant it was done, suddenly I was different and so was my mind. I could see -actually see the shape -that God had changed my mind. I remembered the verses:

” Then he opened their minds to understand” and ” suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting”

What’s my point today?Well, I want you to know how much God loves you. I want you to know that God’s Spirit, who lives in you – has a love for you greater than anyone on earth can have. You have a best friend, you have someone who cares dearly for you and wants to help you, guide you, teach you, comfort you and guide you along the best pathway for your life. You must start to live according to Gods ways and get out of the lukewarm state of existence so many live in. We hurt God’s Spirit when we turn our backs on Him. Things you may not consider, like the books you read or the movies you watch. It’s true. The Holy Spirit is grieved/hurt when you don’t follow God’s way and allow yourself to fill your mind and heart with lust, pride, anger, immorality and anything else you know you shouldn’t be doing. Watching a movie I knew I shouldn’t watch was a lesson for me. God told me I had grieved His Holy spirit by allowing myself to be entertained by such filth. I argued back with God and told Him I didn’t mean it, but He reminded me that I knew – before the movie started that bad things would be in there. I had no idea that I could grieve God’s Spirit like that. That means watching shows that you know God wouldn’t approve of are something you need to stay away from. Popular movies like 50 shades of grey – that is not for you. Movies are full of lust, immorality, witchcraft, murders and abusing the names of God and His Son. Perhaps we are so used to is, perhaps our consciences have been so seared that we don’t realized what we are doing.

Consider your ways. In Jerimiah, the Lord says “Stop, look, ask and go down the old path”

“Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

You have more control over your thoughts than the devil wants you to know. His method of attack are those fiery darts which are thrown straight into your mind.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

If you don’t watch yourself, those lies, those untruths, those twisted ways will fall into your heart and soon become part of your life. It’s time to wise up. Fix your thoughts on what is true, righteous and worthy of praise. What are you letting yourself think about? Did you notice if you think about it long enough, it ends up coming out of your mouth. Fix your thoughts. Also, stop the worrying, fear and anxiousness. No where in the bible does it tell you to worry about tomorrow or be anxious. In fact, we are told to be anxious for nothing.

Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

AND DON’T BREAK THE WEAKEST REED! Here’s another way we grieve God’s spirit: breaking the weakest reed. Consider this verse In Isaiah and Matthew 12:20

I have put my Spirit upon him.He will bring justice to the nations.He will not shoutor raise his voice in public.He will not crush the weakest reedor put out a flickering candle.He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.He will not falter or lose heartuntil justice prevails throughout the earth.Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

This verse in Isaiah is describing Jesus but it’s also a lesson for us today. Sometimes in our rushed lives and self centered ways, we don’t stop to consider other people. We raise our voice, we yell, belittle others, easily angered and impatient. Sometimes we can lash out at someone in haste and really hurt them without realizing it. The bible tells us that some of us use our words as swords to hurt others. You may not realize it, but the person you were so impatient with or the person you treated badly may be suffering inside. It doesn’t matter if you are right or wrong – what matters is that you treat others with love. Don’t crush the spirit that’s already broken, don’t put out a flickering light of a wounded soul. For God will bring justice on all who have been wronged. Treat others with love, apologize for hurting those you’ve hurt. Hurting others hinders your prayers……

Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior?Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?All day long you plot destruction.Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;you’re an expert at telling lies.You love evil more than goodand lies more than truth. You love to destroy others with your words, you liar!

Those are strong words aren’t they? That’s why it’s called the Sword of the Spirit:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Like this:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,And be gracious to you;26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,And give you peace.

Fun Irish sayings for your St. Patty’s day

“Happy out” : means “happy,” but for some reason we feel the need to add “out.” It’s usually used in the present, so basically while you’re in the process of having a whale of a time, you’re happy out. In use: “Look at you there, happy out leaping about the place.”

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

If you want praise, die. If you want blame, marry.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.

A man may live after losing his life but not after losing his honour.

“All the world’s a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.” – Sean O’Casey

You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

It is often that a person’s mouth broke his nose.

May the Good Lord take a liking to you, … but not too soon!

As you slide down the banister of life, May the splinters never point the wrong way.

Last week the media praised ABC’s family show “The Fosters” for televising two young boys kissing. This isn’t the first time The Fosters has pushed the limit. This is a prime time tv show whose target audience is aimed at America’s youth. As I skimmed through the show to find the sponsors, here are a few things I saw : underage (preteen) drinking, preteen sex, lesbianism – in your face lesbianism – women kissing each other, women in bed together the latest – two young boys kissing romantically. They didn’t just show it once, they kept replaying the scene over and over and onto the next week as well.

It’s time to lift up your voices. Stop the media from influencing our children.

PARENTS TURN OFF THE TV, every channel is full of filth, debauchery, living to satisfy every lustful indulgence and if that’s not it, then its about witchcraft.

If they have the nerve to push their ungodly beliefs on our nation, then you have the right to voice your opinion. We need to go back to a Nation under God, not a Nation under the moral filth of big names like Rosie O’Donnell. Who made them the new moral compass? Did God retire and install Rosie and children’s television stations as our new sexual ambassador. I think not. The media calls this a “Tv milestone” and “Television making history” . Also see the many issues http://www.onemillionmoms.com has had with them.

This is just ONE show, there are many more filthy teen shows, do something.

If you disagree, then you have that freedom. If you are okay with your young children sexually involved with other children – same-sex or not – keep it in your own house, my kids don’t need to watch it.

The bible is very clear on God’s stance on this issue. We, as Christians, are told to stop following our lustfilled fleshly desires and instead be Holy and follow the Holy Spirit.

Tell ABC family to stop the filth, we don’t want it. PRAY that every filthy influence through media manipulation over our youth is crushed in Jesus name. If people want to live according to their lust and their every desire, that’s their choice but don’t drag the rest of America down with them. Teen Nick is another channel to be careful of.

Below are sponsors on the last two episodes of ‘The Fosters”
(What do I say? What do I write? see below for a sample letter Onemillionmom.com wrote)

“I strongly encourage your company to drop all plans of financially supporting the inappropriate ABC Family Channel program “The Fosters.” This show is degrading to families and damaging to our culture.

I am appalled that your company is supporting a show that features homosexuality in a positive light on a family channel. While foster care and adoption is a wonderful thing, this program is attempting to redefine marriage and family by having two moms raise these children together. The content of this program also includes violence involving children, children selling drugs and parents purchasing condoms for their children so they can practice casual sex before marriage. Obviously, none of this material is acceptable to air on a family show.

While your company is a household name, I do not agree with your financial backing of this program. As a Christian, I feel you are attacking my faith, morals and values. Not only is this program insulting to conservative viewers and traditional families, but it also focuses on a controversial subject that your company would probably not desire to be associated with.

oh, and don’t use the old argument homophobic with me. This is for anyone who continues to practice sin, including adulterous affairs. Your choice is your choice, but God has called us to be Holy.

I pray for the Salvation of our youth, that their eyes would be opened. Lord God, please help those who are confused and lost. Lead them in the right direction. May your wrath fall upon anything and anyone who tries to drag our children to life of sin. May your name be honored again, may your laws lead us in this life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Leviticus 18:22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin

1 Corinthians 6″ 9- 10 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

1 Timothy The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

Throughout the story of Moses and the Israelite’s, we find many lessons in trusting God. The Israelites complained and worried even though God miraculously saved them with mighty miracles. They easily forgot His power and ability to save them. Punishments for not trusting God ranged from plagues, death, war, sword, consumed by fire to the scariest ever – the ground swallowed them up (Numbers 16). Complaining and worrying is actually acting out in distrust to God.

In Numbers 14:28-35, every complaint, worry and word of doom they spoke of, God made happen to them because they spoke it! Watch your words, don’t speak evil over yourself or anyone.

So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to youthe very thing I heard you say:In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’ I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die.”

The Israelites listened to an evil report and they believed it. God promised the people a new land but fear stuck the people and they didn’t trust God to carry out His promise. Jeremiah 17 tells us that “CURSED IS THE ONE WHO TRUSTS IN MAN”. In Isaiah 8, the Lord tells Isaiah that he “is not to think like everyone else, do not fear what they fear nor dread what they dread, but instead fear the Lord God, it is He you should dread”. Cursed is the one who trusts in man………

Hear the Word of the Lord :

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3-4

Sometimes when we hear “trust in God” we think it simply means that we believe in Him, but it’s much more. It also involves our actions, our thoughts, our words and our motives. It also means not allowing yourself to worry about tomorrow. Trusting in God extends to our health, our finances, our home and our tomorrows. I like the way Psalm 131 puts it

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty;I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

There are times in our life when we are dealing with matters that are too great for us to bear. It is here were we can have the peace that surpasses all understanding (John 14:27 and Phil 4:7) because we have full faith that God knows our tomorrow. NO amount of worrying can change that. In fact, Jesus commanded us not to worry (Matthew 6:24). So don’t concern yourself with worrying about matters that are too great for you to bear, rest in the arms of your creator, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When our world seems to be falling apart and the words of doom fill our heart and mind, we can easily feel hopeless. We are told not to trust in man’s words. Consider the Shumanite woman whose son died, there’s a true act of trust in God. Even thought her son was dead before her eyes, she fought on knowing to trust in her God. There was a time that I felt like I had overwhelming troubles and I could see no hope ahead, I was listening to negative words around me. I cried out in my prayers to God about my situation and as I cried out to God, I saw a verse coming toward me out of the darkness. It started off far away and so little that I didn’t know what it was, but as I watched these words come closer to me, I saw “Isaiah 51:12”

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass,13 that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth,that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction?For where is the wrath of the oppressor? The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord Almighty is his name.I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand—I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” Is. 51:12-16

I immediately knew and understood that God did not want me listening to or believing bad reports of doom around me. God wanted me to trust in Him, He is the one I turn to, He is the One who comforts me. Why in the world would I fear man’s words – even if they make logical sense and seem right – when I have a great and mighty God who loves me and fights for me? I needed to set my mind right. It’s easy to forget these truths if we aren’t in God’s word every day. Remember His good works, remember His saving power and remember His love for you. Never forget and make a daily effort to remember God’s goodness.

CURSED IS THE ONE WHO TRUSTS IN MAN AND WHOSE HEART TURNS AWAY FROM THE LORDThis is what the Lord says:“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. Jeremiah 17:5-6

IT IS BETTER TO TAKE REFUGE IN THE LORD THAN TO TRUST IN PRINCESWhen hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:5-14

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORDDo not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Psa 146; 3-5

HUMAN HELP IS WORTHLESSGive us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 60;11-12

DON’T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT CONSULTING THE LORD FIRST“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord,“to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me;who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge. But Pharaoh’s rotection will be to your shame, Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace. Isaiah 30:1-3

CONSULTING WITH MEDIUMS WILL LEAD YOU ALONG A DARK AND FEARFUL PATHWhen someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God.Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. Isaiah 8;19-22

DO NOT FOLLOW THE WAY OF PEOPLE, DO NOT FEAR WHAT THEY FEARThis is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people:“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Isaiah 8;11-13

WOE TO THE ONE WHO DOES NOT SEEK HELP FROM THE LORDWoe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses,who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen,but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord Is Jeremiah 31:1-2

Ask God for wisdom But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Don’t Worry

Don’t Complain

Don’t speak words of hopelessness, FEAR or doomBut instead trust in the Lord God, He is with you! Put all your hope in Him, you can trust in Him to deliver you. Wait on the Lord, Be silent before Him. Lift up your hands and Rejoice, for the Lord is coming to save you. Everything is going to be alright in Christ.

Don’t cower in fear when you hear words from man, watch the news, receive bad news or when your thoughts bring you to the “what if’s”. It’s important to trust God in all things, cast down all imaginations (that’s when your mind wanders- worst case scenarios), and also to fix your mind or make an effort to control what you think (Philippians 4;8). The devil can’t hear your thoughts, but he can throw lies and terror into your mind (those are the fiery darts). Trust God and never give up the good fight of faith. Proclaim the name of Jesus on the Mountaintops and let your life honor the greatness of His name.

able to teach – 2 Timothy 2;24 a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach , patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that y they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will

not given to wine – you can’t be a drunk and a servant of God. You need to pick one or the other. Do you serve God or your desires?

Not violent – not someone who is always quarrelsome or ready to smack someone. Calm down.

Not greedy for money –. Do your dreams of being a godly servant have you daydreaming of mansions , yachts, fame and all of the world’s luxuries?

Gentle and not quarrelsome – Stop calling people stupid and getting angry because they don’t see things your way. Be gentle and patient, walk in humility correcting those who are in opposition. It’s not easy, I know…….

Not Covetous- go to #9 for a recap on that. Set your sights on the Lord and His Kingdom, that’s all you need.

One who rules his own house well – his children in submission with all reverence, for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God? Disqualified! I notice that I’m battling against outside influences that affect our children. Television, Music, School, Friends, Movies – why is my child singing “I’m suicidal?” why is my youngest singing “talk dirty to me?” or the latest song “When you feel my heat Look into my eyes It’s where my demons hide It’s where my demons hide”. Where did this new disrespect of elders come from? Not to mention social media and other things the kids can so easily hid. I think it may be more difficult to parent a child today with so many outside influences and as we ship them off to government run schools for 6-7hours a day. They bury themselves in books and social media in their room until nightfall. We’re losing our kids, that’s my humble opinion. Homeschooling makes this easier, but with the load of busy work from school , there is never a second left for youth group or bible study. Pray about how you can change that. They are only with us a few years and then they are gone.

Not a novice – not a newbie, no offense but the bible says you need more time if you’re brand new to Christianity. Grow in Christ and be an example of a new Creation and in time, the Lord will lift you up. There’s good reason for this so pay attention to God’s instructions. If a newbie is given high standing in the church he may puff up with pride and fall back into the same condemnation as the devil. Consider the greatness of Moses and the testing of his life. He didn’t lead the people until he was 80 years old. He was the most humble man on all the earth. Consider also the status the Lord raised Joseph up to. He endured years of tribulation and testing to get to position that the Lord had planned out for him. Wait on the Lord.

Have a good testimony and well thought of by outsiders so he does not fall into disgrace into the snare of the devil

Reverent – honorable and reputable

Not double tongued- not deceitful, revengeful, saying one thing and meaning another – a fibber

Endure Hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. If you endure, you will reign with Him

not entangle himself with affairs of this life, this way you may please Him who enlisted you as a soldier

Work hard to present yourselves approved to God, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Shun profane and idle babbling , for they increase more ungodliness and their messages spreads like cancer.

Depart from all iniquity!

Be prepared to do the Lord’s work

Flee youthful lusts.- Seriously, stop making excuses. God created you to be holy and you can be holy. Stop listing to teachers that okay this behavior; it’s a doctrine straight from hell. In Numbers 15, the people were to wear tassels to remind them of God’s commands and “that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined and that you may remember and do all My commands and be holy for your God.”

Vs 10” And let them be tested first, and then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless”

This list can go on and on, but it’s a good start. In all things remember that our ultimate goal is Loving God and Loving others. 1 Corinthians lists the definition of God’s love as evident in our lives. I like to look over the list and consider what I need to work on:

Longsuffering – enduring in times of trouble (Rejoice Romans 5:3-4 and James 1)

Kind to others, never quick to be angry. Always considering others first

Love does not envy

Does not behave rudely. (There goes south Florida, Aventura and Boca specifically, no offense though. If it makes you feel better, you have great malls)

Does not seek its own, does not demand it’s own way : Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

It is not provoked (He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; Isaiah 42:2-3 and Matthew 12:20 )

Thinks no evil – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8

Does not rejoice in iniquity. Hmmm need to think about that, I found myself laughing at something really stupid and ungodly in a movie bc I don’t know why – maybe bc I was expected to laugh. I had to stop myself. How about laughing at ungodly jokes or some radio morning shows. Turn it off. Rejoice only in the truth, not in iniquity – even if you’re the last one standing.

Rejoices always in the truth. What is truth? Jesus is truth. Jesus is the only way to God the Father.

Bears all things. Love bears ALL things, even sandpaper people. That’s not always fun. Love bears all circumstances – think about that. What circumstances are you going through? Endure through all times in love as you cling to the Lord. Love bears all things.

Hopes all things. I love hope.

Endures all things. Amen!

Love never fails.

Do not seek praise from people. Set your mind to live a life that pleases the Lord. “We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.7 Instead, we were like young children among you. 1 Thes 2:6

The Lord’s eyes are on all our ways, we are not hidden from his face.

The Lord says, “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes. I will repay them double for their wickedness and their sin, because they have defiled my land with the lifeless forms of their vile images and have filled my inheritance with their detestable idols.” Jeremiah 16:17

He searches and tests our heart, even our innermost motives are not hidden from him.

I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 and 1 Thes 2:4

Call on Him, He will tell you great things!

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know Jeremiah 33:3 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland Isaiah 49

Expect persecution and trials, but no worries! The Lord God goes before you. Be Strong.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution 1 Timothy 3:12

Peace and Shalom, make sure you are ready for the Lord’s return. The time now is sooner that it ever was. Be ready, get your heart right with the Lord. The Lord’s love never fails, it never gives up, it never gives up on you. Live a life with that same unconditional love towards others. Live a life that pleases the Lord God.

“For they have perverted their way; They have forgotten the LORD their God. “Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings. Indeed we do come to You, For You are the LORD our God. Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel” Jeremiah 3:22-23

Some of the most godly kings were guilty of backsliding- Joash, Hezekiah and Solomon to name a few. They walked with the Lord, saw visions, prophecied ,they had prophets to warn them, they saw awesome and wonderful miracles and power of God. Yet, as time went by they began to fall away from the Lord. Pride, Wealth, Fame, were some of the things that tripped them in their walk with the Lord. The Lord warned them and shook up their world to try to get their attention. Some listened and some did not.

If King Solomon was not immune to this, neither are we.

We have to make sure the desires for this world, our busyness, forgetting God’s promises, forgetting what God has done for us, and unbelief do not enter into our minds, our lives, or our hearts.

Backsliding is a gradual process, we barely notice it. Backsliding is like drifting along the shore of an ocean- without knowing you are moving. At first you see where you are stationed on the shore with your family, chairs, umbrella. After a while of playing in the surf, you look up and suddenly your stuff is no where to be found. You have drifted so far- and you didn’t even notice you had moved. The same it is with backsliding. It’s quiet and you don’t notice it unless you stand grounded always checking yourself, making sure you are anchored and have your eyes fixed on your place. It’s easy to drift. We can get so caught up in our world, we get tired, and maybe even lazy. We are all in danger of neglecting our relationship with Him. Work hard, be alert, make the effort and seek the Lord with all your might and with all your heart

Charles Stanley on avoiding the disaster of drifting said, “Maybe you’re caught up in the wrong crowd and haven’t attended worship services in a long time. The most disturbing part of it is that you just don’t feel God’s presence anymore. Something is happening to your spiritual life- and it isn’t good. You’re drifting, which means you’re headed for trouble” I went through the bible and found some things that we need to be careful of so we don’t end up backsliding and falling away from the Lord: that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Heb 6:12Backsliding is prompted by:

1. Pride and a haughty spirit -Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
2. Spiritual blindness You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
3. Spiritual Blindness and forgetting you have been cleansed: Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rev 3:17-18, 2 Peter 1:5-11
4. Murmuring: But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Ex 17:3
5. Not Remembering all God has done for you/ not waiting for Him: But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
6. Lusting after evil/ Not Content: In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them.
7. Envy: In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
8. Idolatry: They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
9. Forgetting They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt ,miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. So he said he would destroy them -had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land; 10. Not believing: they did not believe his promise.
11. Complaining : They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the wilderness, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.
12. Not Putting God first: They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; they aroused the Lord’s anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them. But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them;
13. Rebellion: for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses’ lips.
14. hanging around unbelievers :They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to false gods. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.
15. Doing evil :They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He gave them into the hands of the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, LORD our God and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Psalm 106: 13—47 (#4-#11)
16. Envy, wanting worldly things: Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
17. Giving up when troubles arise: Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
18. Not believing in God’s promises Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful
19. Craving Worldly desires: the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:15-20 (#12-15)
20. The Love of Money: Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Tim 6:9-10
21. Forgetting God : Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath. Duet. 8:11-18: Jer 3:2-25 by the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains there. I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense(make believe or pretend),” declares the LORD. “Return, faithless people,” declares the LORD, I will cure you of backsliding Jer 48:7-8 Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive, ! 29-30 “We have heard of Moab’s pride— how great is her arrogance!— of her insolence, her pride, her conceit and the haughtiness of her heart. I know her insolence but it is futile, ”declares the LORD, “and her boasts accomplish nothing.

Warning

Jer 4:19 Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty

Jer 5:7-9 “Why should I forgive you? your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes. They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for another man’s wife. Should I not punish them for this?”declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

Jer 8 :4-12 “Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “‘When people fall down, do they not get up?When someone turns away, do they not return? Why then have these people turned away?Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened attentively,but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?”Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle. Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD‘How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the LORD,”when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have? Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners.From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. 12 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the LORD.

Jer 14:10 This is what the LORD says about this people: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.”

Hosea 11:7 My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them.

Hosea 14:9Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right;the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Prov 14:14-16The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything but the prudent give thought to their steps.The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure Remember Him- come back to him in your thoughts.

Job 20:21 Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you. Seek repentance before Him with a humble heart and if you have offended anyone, go and confess your offense and make peace

“Return, ye backsliding children” Turn to Him: Come back! There is Mercy and Grace for you from the Father ready to be poured out into your life. He waits all day with open arms calling your name. Yes, come as you are- even in our wayward ways. He calls out “come back my backsliding children” he doesn’t say, come back all who are right with me – don’t think you have to better yourself first before you come back to Him. Today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait any longer. Go to the Lord and He will make your ways straight.

“But all who believe, must believe in Jesus, and repent of their sins” Charles Spurgeon, in 1886 said is best: “Come empty, ragged, filthy, just as you are, and believe in God that justifieth the ungodly. Cast yourself on Him who came to call, not the righteous, but sinners to repentence”

Put God first; Trust in Him alone. Get rid of all the idols in our lives. What do I put before the Lord?
1. Remember Him- come back to him in your thoughts. Job 20:21 Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you. Seek repentance before Him with a humble heart and if you have offended anyone, go and confess your offense and make peace “Return, ye backsliding children”
2. Turn to Him: Come back! There is Mercy and Grace for you from the Father ready to be poured out into your life. He waits all day with open arms calling your name. Yes, come as you are- even in our wayward ways. He calls out “come back my backsliding children” he doesn’t say, come back all who are right with me – don’t think you have to better yourself first before you come back to Him. Today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait any longer. Go to the Lord and He will make your ways straight. “But all who believe, must believe in Jeus, and repent of their sins”
3. Put God first; Trust in Him alone. Get rid of all the idols in our lives. What do I put before the Lord?
4. Get rid of all unrighteousness : Stop judging others and begin to clean your heart out daily of any hidden sins. Remember there is no salvation in ourselves, but in the blood of the Lamb of God- our Savior Jesus Christ. To think ourselves so righteous is a lie. It’s all about Jesus, not us. His Kingdom only. When we were yet without strength Christ died for us. It is not our own strength or righteousness that we are saved.
5. Job 20:21 Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you. Seek repentance before Him with a humble heart and if you have offended anyone, go and confess your offense and make peace “Return, ye backsliding children”Today is the day of salvation. Go to the Lord and He will make your ways straight. “But all who believe, must believe in Jesus, and repent of their sins” Live for Christ: die to ourselves and our desires and let Christ reign in your heart. There is no greater joy than this. From a fleshly and wordly standpoint, this doesn’t sound like something we’d want to do. When we finally do decide to live for Christ only we will find the joy, the peace and the amazing walk with God our soul desires. There you will be content and there you will find your joy. Searching for this in wordly things will never bring you to the place where you are searching. It is only found in Christ. Living for Him, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 8:34-35

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it Luke 9:23

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it Gal 5: 24-

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.. Put no idols before him : We cannot serve two Gods!No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and man.

Like this:

Sometimes we need to consider our ways, STOP at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16, Haggai 1:5,7

Expect rejectionand persecution when you do the Lords work:
Remember that they are not rejecting you, but they are rejecting the Lord our God : And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.1 Samuel 8:6-8

What is the Fear of the Lord and is it evident in your life? Have you found yourself fearing man more than God?

He listens to us! Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. Mal 3:16

BE BOLD and courageous So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. heb 13:16

He Watches Us and Delivers usBehold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Listen!Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Fear ye not me? saith the Lord:
will ye not tremble at my presence,
which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.Neither say they in their heart,
Let us now fear the Lord our God,
that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Jeremiah 5:21-24

The Fear of the Lord is

To obey His voice

The beginning of knowledge

Wisdom and knowing to depart from evil

Where you find the Knowledge of God

To hate evil, pride, arrogance, evil ways and filthy mouths

The way to prolong our days

A place of confidence in the Lord

A fountain of life

keeps us from the snares of death

is needed before instruction and wisdom

Is the instruction of wisdom

Keeps us from evil

Brings riches, honor and life when combined with humility

Where our heart should be all day- not envying sinners

One of the seven fold spirits of the Lord

gives quick godly understanding

Our treasure= through which we receive wisdom and understanding which results in stability and strength of salvation

A Precious Key for our churches

The way to increase our church family and walk in harmony together

a way for our churches to walk in order to have comfort, rest and unity with the Holy Ghost

what the Lord notices in your life

Prepares you for the Lord’s teaching

To delight in His commands

rewarded with blessings

Keeps you safe prov 29:25

To fear God is to trust Him

Our duty in Life – To fear God and keep His commands

reminds us not to Trust in mans words or to be swayed by the countenance of others

keeps us from fearing man

the spirit of the Lord that the Lord is searching for within us

To trust in His Ways, not our own ways

To hope in His Mercy

in that which the Lord delights to see in His people

blesses us with the Mercy of the Lord and righteousness unto our children’s children

The Lord taketh pleasure in those who fear Him

There is no want to those who fear Him

The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him! A key of our protection and deliverance in troubles because the angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them

To Fear Man

is to lack knowledge and wisdom

is to be wise in your own eyes (Saul’s downfall)

is a snare and a trap in your life

the sign of a fool

is to despise wisdom and instruction

is to love evil

will shorten your days

is trouble

envy sinners

is to not honor God’s laws or commands

is to despise God’s ways

despise the Lord

trust your own ways

Hear the Word of the Lord:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.Prov 1:7,9:10. 8:13,2:5,10:27,14:26, 15:16, 15:33, 16:16 , 22:4. 23,17,Ps 111:10, Job28:28

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;Is33:6, Acts 9:31, 2Kings 17:34,Job 1:8, Job 2:3 “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Ps 25:12, 112:1, Prov 29:25, Eccl 12:13, Heb 13:6

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Prov 3:7, Is 50:10, Mal 1:6, 3:16

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Ps147:11,115:13,103:17,34:9,34:7,2:11,1

Isaiah 11:2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears. According to scripture and what the Lord has done in my life, I believe there is an order with the 7 fold spirit. I believe we receive the Fear of the Lord first because “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom and true knowledge”. After the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, we receive the spirit Knowledge, then might, then counsel. Next gift received after this is spirit of understanding,(Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart) then the spirit of wisdom is given (a gift) – and we are always growing and growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.

May the Lord Strengthen and encourage you today. May He make you a bold witness for Christ.
Teach us your ways, O Lord, that we may walk in your truth. Unite our hearts to fear your Great name. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!

“Fear God and not Man”.

1- Peter’s denial of Christ. Peter feared man in this situation- He didn’t want to deny Christ; his spirit was willing and he spoke words of strength, but when evil came to sift and shake him, he temporarily fell under pressure. He felt awful, repented, and as the Lord had prophesied, Peter went out of that situation strengthened and stronger in order to encourage his brothers (and probably with a more humble and understanding heart)
2- Saul, Israel’s first King. He lost the throne because of two wrongs he did. The first wrong: Saul didn’t do as Samuel told him In 1 Sam 13-14, Saul decided to act in the way he thought was best- but he didn’t obey (he made excuses to Samuel for his doings) and it cost him the throne. The second test he failed is when Saul was told to attack Amalek in 1 Samuel 15. He was to destroy everything- but he didn’t. First he blamed the people (notice he didnt’repent first) he only repented when he felt the pain of losing the kingdom. Notice Saul’s words to Samuel: “ I have sinned, I have feared the people and their voice“.3-Judas- took the side of man over the Lord. I know it may seem like he liked money, but I think he liked being “popular” with the “in crowd” also . Notice how he couldn’t wait to run and tell the pharisees about what he was about to do. He treasured the approval of man over the approval of the Lord. I can just see him proudly meeting in the Temple and enjoying the new-found status in his betrayal of Christ. He had the opportunity to repent and time to think about it, but he had let it sink so deep into his heart it consumed him. The devil throws wrong thoughts, ways and ideas into our thoughts like an arrow. We can choose to obey them or disregard them.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends Ps 15:1-4

In judging others we condemn ourselves. If we don’t stay constantly in the Word it’s easy to fall into sin. Being a Christian does not give us a pass to judge others- however there is a scripture that says you can judge one in your church assembly to correct an issue ( 1 Corinthians 5 ) , being a protector of God’s house and His people….. The judging I am speaking of here is different, it’s about pointing your finger at everyone’s defect and never stopping to consider the huge log in your own eye, it is when you are quick to judge others when your life is weighed down in ropes of sin that you drag behind you.

1- Gossip- Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people (Lev 19:16)
2- Slander- Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool (Prov 10;18)
3- Pride and haughtiness-I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride (Ps 101:5)
4- Wrong thoughts of others
5- Complaining about others-Do everything without complaining and arguing (phil 2:14)

This dainty morsel may bring you in to new hierarchies in the church as we join other gossipers who quickly judge those in our churches – our leaders, our pastors and their families. How can we call ourselves Christians when hate those leading us in the church? Instead of gossiping about your pastor and his wife, pray for them. They are the first in the line of fire for attack, they need your prayer- not your judging eyes. Let’s stop all this evil and remember God has no favorites- we are all precious in His eyes. We are all part of one body- Christ being the head

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

God’s House is not our Club- It’s HIS HOUSE
(A house of Prayer)

A few years ago I met a new friend, but my “church friends” didn’t like her. She was new to church and didn’t really talk or live the way we did, but I liked her. I invited her to a church service one night but my church friends were not happy about this. They told me she didn’t belong, if she wanted to go, she should go by herself and if I showed up with her, they didn’t want to sit with me. I thought- do I need this drama? Should I ‘forget” I invited her and have a good time with my friends or should I call her and tell her I’m picking her up. As I sat in my car contemplating what I was about to do I heard a voice speak loudly into my heart “ My house is not your club” I didn’t need to think about that anymore. I called her and picked her up- the night was a blessing to her, her family and others. When my friends saw I had brought her along, they said “why did you bring her?” and I answered “ The Lord told me that His house is not my club” We were all silenced, and one replied “Well that would have done it for me too” So a great lesson for us all! His house is not our clubhouse!

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. ] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven Matt 7 Luke 6:37

When we judge others, we allow judgment on ourselves. I used to think that was fine- I’d get it all in one big lashing on judgment day but in reality- as soon as we judge others – we are immediately judged. We reap what we sow- and this sin in particular sprouts overnight- like a stubborn weed or one of those weird mushrooms that shows up overnight.

His Kindness Leads Us To Repentance

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Did you notice what God’s kindness is intended to do? It is to lead us to repentance. Being a Christian doesn’t make us sinless, in fact, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. So we who judge the speck in our neighbors eye, need to stop and focus on the log in our own eye.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Cor 4;5

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting Ps 139:23-24

Psalm 101:5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and prideEphesians 4:31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviorProverbs 25:10Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputationProverbs 26:20Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops

OUR JUDGING OTHERS SHOWS US THAT WE NEED TO WORK ON OUR OWN HARD, STUBBORN, CALLOUSED AND UNREPENTANT HEARTS. JUDGING OTHERS STORES UP WRATH AND TERRIBLE PUNISHMENT WITHIN OUR HEART.But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath , when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

FOR GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM
YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM
(and so is that person you are complaining about)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Are people judging you wrongly? For the Lord your God goes out before you and fights for you. No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”declares the Lord.

He will never leave you Nor forsake you. For God has said " I will not fail you I will never abandon you" heb 13:5 Peace my friends!

May the Lord’s Peace fill your hearts and minds-

For more encouragement when people speak against you, read the book of Ezra. The Lord told those who were being judged wrongly to Be Strong, God reminded the that He was with them. Surely His love and Mercy endure forever.

Like this:

I love history. It’s absolutely amazing to me. Mind you, it was horrible in school. I think – with apologies to my teachers, it was not taught correctly. I would have really enjoyed it more. But it was “history of America” then “history of England” then “history of France”.

That’s the wrong approach. Teach it like it happened.

As regards all the countries in the Mediterranean, it becomes hugely obvious that the hand of God is at work. Kings rise and fall, to establish the plans of the Lord all over the world – but most importantly in Israel. We’ll take a brief look and watch carefully to see the hand of God in history. It’s amazing.

For instance, what happened in 100 BC? Why, the birth of a man named Julius. Why is that important? It set in motion the events that would lead to the events recorded in…

Like this:

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

“If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday.11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words,14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100